In Walton County, the landscape is continuously evolving. Whether we’re welcoming fresh faces and exciting new locations or collecting accolades that speak to our world-class travel status, our growth is a true team effort.
That’s why we’re so pleased to greet these new and noteworthy additions to the community.
NEW FACES
Walton County Tourism
Crystal Thornton and her family are from Tennessee and moved to the Florida Panhandle in 2018 — their very first stop when deciding to travel full-time in an RV. She fell in love with the area and has never left, unless it was for a trip to Disney World. Thornton worked as a reservationist at Camp Gulf (now known as Camping on the Gulf) and then as a key holder at Duckies in Seaside. Thornton’s husband, Cory, works for Walton County Beach Operations. They have been married for 19 years, and have three children: Bella, Zac and Logan, who was born in Santa Rosa Beach. Zac serves as a junior lifeguard, and Bella has been lifeguarding on Walton County beaches since March. In her free time, Thornton enjoys hitting the beach and cruising around in her Jeep.
Walton County Tourism
Brandi Kalicki is the new content coordinator for the Tourism Department. She grew up in Tallahassee and has been visiting South Walton since childhood. She holds degrees in English, writing and media arts and has a background in writing, editing and education, spending nearly a decade teaching and tutoring writing. Most recently, she has contributed to travel websites and news outlets on a national and regional scale. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and discovering new music.
Certifications & Accolades
Kelli Carter, director of marketing for Walton County Tourism, has achieved a professional milestone by earning her Certified Public Manager certification. “Through the process of CPM, I have not only learned about who I am as a leader, but how I should continue with my professional development to be a better leader in the future,” said Carter. This prestigious credential reflects Carter’s commitment to excellence and her deep understanding of public sector management principles. With her newfound expertise, Carter is poised to drive innovative marketing strategies and lead her team with enhanced skills and insight, to further protect and strengthen the South Walton brand and to enhance the Walton County tourism economy.
Karen Morris, director of sales for Walton County Tourism, has recently achieved the highest accreditation available in the tourism industry, the Certified Destination Management Executive designation. “It was an honor to participate in the CDME program and I’m excited to integrate what I’ve learned into our day-to-day operations supporting Walton County,” said Morris, “I’m grateful for the support of my work family in the tourism department during this incredible learning experience.” This certification underscores her exceptional expertise and leadership in destination management, highlighting her commitment to driving excellence and innovation in our industry. With this new credential, Morris is positioned to further represent Walton County as a premier destination for meetings, conventions, weddings and groups.
Walton County Tourism Achieves DMAP Designation
Walton County Tourism was awarded the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program designation by Destinations International, recognizing WCT’s commitment to industry excellence while going above and beyond the industry standard for performance and accountability. To gain this momentous achievement, the accreditation program requires a destination organization to successfully comply with a multitude of mandatory and voluntary standards that span a variety of performance areas. “Earning our DMAP accreditation is a tremendous accomplishment for our team, and I’m incredibly proud of the time and effort they put into this,” said Tourism Director Matt Algarin. “The DMAP accreditation shows our commitment to maintaining a high level of standards and accountability within the way we manage our organization.”
PLACES: UPDATES IN WALTON COUNTY
Hotel Effie Joins Marriott Autograph Collection
Hotel Effie, a prominent luxury property in Sandestin, has recently joined the Marriott Autograph Collection, a curated group of independent hotels celebrated for their unique character and high standards of hospitality. This affiliation marks a significant milestone for Hotel Effie, aligning it with a prestigious network that emphasizes individuality and authenticity in the hospitality industry. By becoming part of the Autograph Collection, Hotel Effie not only enhances its visibility and appeal to discerning travelers but also gains access to a global platform that connects it with a diverse and affluent clientele. This partnership reflects Hotel Effie’s commitment to offering an extraordinary and personalized experience while benefiting from the collective strength and reputation of the Autograph Collection brand.
Long Leaf Art Park Construction in Progress
The St. Joe Company has announced plans by the Berkowitz Contemporary Foundation for the Long Leaf Art Park at the Watersound Origins community. This initiative reflects a commitment to enriching the community with a blend of artistic and natural beauty. The park is under construction and is expected to open mid-2026. It will showcase a range of innovative art installations, including the 217-foot-long Passage of Time, a sculpture from renowned artist Richard Serra, set within a scenic setting to further enhance the landscape of the area. The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County will manage daily operations to maintain a vibrant cultural oasis for the community.
Eagle Springs celebrates 100th Anniversary
On August 17th, Eagle Springs Golf Course celebrated its 100-year anniversary. They commemorated the historic day with a tournament, hosting 70 teams in a three-man scramble. The course, originally named DeFuniak Springs Country Club, was founded in 1924 with only nine holes and sand greens. A century later, Eagle Springs is county-owned and features 18 holes. The sand greens have been replaced with grass but maintain their original shape and design. Once players finished their tournament rounds, they enjoyed food truck fare, a lunch provided by Eagle Springs Restaurant, outdoor activities like corn hole and a fireworks display in the evening. The local community and supporters packed the golf course from sunrise to sundown. The team of Brett Peterson, Shane Matthews and Brandon King were overall champions with a score of 60, while tied for second place, also with a score of 60, were the teams of Chuck Roehm, Thomas Brack and John Clenney; Cade Supple, Tyler Wood and Elijah Komondores; and Billy Betts, Peyton Betts and James Odom.